Tag: Welling United

Dartford end the year at home to local rivals Welling United in the National South this weekend.

Just four days since their Boxing Day clash both sides are looking to pick up vital points in the league. Dartford’s inconsistent campaign can go a variety of ways in a tight division. Optimistic in chasing a playoff place, the Darts are hoping to move up the table. Welling United have the same ambitions, but victory for them will help them in their current relegation battle.

The Darts edged the Boxing Day clash thanks to Richard Chin’s third goal of the season. Alan Dowson made two changes to the side that collapsed against St Albans City in their last home game. In came Paul Rooney and Luke Allen to replace Jordan Wynter and Harvey Bradbury. At Park View Road, in a poor first half there wasn’t much between the two sides, the hosts just about the better team. However, Dartford approached the second-half with much more energy and were rewarded just before the hour. George Alexander was put through on goal, but his effort was saved. Chin kept pace and he stroked home the rebound into an empty net.

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The first away clean sheet since August helped Dartford to three important points. Victory moved them up five places into thirteenth. Meanwhile, Welling United remain in the relegation zone eight points from safety.

Ahead of Dartford’s final game of 2023, Dowson has re-signed midfielder Jack Smith. The 22 year-old returns after a spell with National North side King’s Lynn Town. He made 35 appearances whilst on loan with the Darts last season scoring four goals.

In Kent derbies Dowson had excelled, winning nine of his first ten in league. Welling United were the only team to stop the Darts with a draw, until defeat at Tonbridge Angels a fortnight ago. The unbeaten Kent derby run in the National South ended emphatically when Dartford were handsomely beaten by the Angels. However, Dartford do have an excellent record in league competition against the Wings.

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Yet it was Danny Bloor’s side who won last time out at Princes Park when they met in September. For a second season in a row the Darts exited the F.A Cup at the first hurdle. Antony Papadopoulos was Welling United’s hat-trick hero as the Wings came to Princes Park and won 3-2. Dartford twice took the lead through Lewis Manor. However, Papadopoulos had the answer to send Dowson’s side out of the competition.

Dartford last hosted Welling United in the National South just over a year ago when they were on a crest of a wave. During Dowson’s best spell since his appointment, they won 5-1. Racing into a three-goal lead before the break Pierre Fonkeu, Davide Rodari and former Wing, Maxwell Statham scored the goals to put Dartford well in command. Former Dart, Ade Azeez pulled a goal back for the visitors, but the advantage was later stretched when Jack Smith and Luke Coulson wrapped up a fine display.

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The reverse fixture saw the Darts twice go a goal down to come away with a point. George Alexander, now on loan at Dartford scored for the Wings to open the scoring. It took a while for the away team to get going and they were level through another former Wing, Charlie Sheringham. The hosts went back ahead after Ade Azeez smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar against his old side, but Malachi Napa confidently finished to level the match at 2-2.

Former players facing their old side is common in this fixture and this term it’s no different. As well as Sheringham, Statham and Alexander, Harvey Bradbury also had a spell at Park View Road. The striker spent some of the 2020/2021 campaign with Welling United scoring twice in eight appearances. Lining up against Dartford could be goalkeeper Charles-Cook and full back Rob Howard. Both spent a short amount of time with the Darts, Charles Cook made nine appearances and Howard seven.

Welling United had a terrible start to their campaign with an opening day thrashing at newly promoted Truro City. The Wings went on to lose their first four matches before getting their first victories. Incredibly Welling United went on a ten-match winless streak involving seven draws. An entertaining 4-3 win at home to Slough Town ended that run before a 4-1 reverse to Braintree Town. Bloor’s side shocked league leaders Yeovil Town with a 4-1 home triumph a month ago, but they are still in need of points as they approach the New Year. One point in their last five outings and no goals in the last three has put the Wings under more pressure.

League Form

Dartford (LWDLLW)			Welling United (WLDLLL)
Welling United	A	1-0	Dartford	H	0-1
St Albans City	H	0-3	Bath City	A	0-4
Tonbridge Angels	A	0-4	Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2
Yeovil Town	H	2-2	Aveley	A	2-2
Torquay United	H	3-0	Weston-super-Mare	A	2-4
Braintree Town	H	0-2	Yeovil Town	H	4-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Welling United wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Meetings

Welling United 0 – 1 Dartford (26/12/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 3 Welling United (15/09/2023 – F.A Cup)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
* – Welling United won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

• Dartford are unbeaten in nine league games against Welling United (W7, D2)
• At home, the Darts have taken 22 out of the last 24 points available versus the Wings (W7, D1) and have only ever lost one league match to Welling United in December 2013 (W10, D2)
• Dartford have lost just one in the last 17 league matches against Welling United (W11, D5)

On This Day

It’s been 15 years since Dartford played on 30 December. The Darts ended 2008 with a win at Ramsgate, Jamie Day scoring the only goal in the Isthmian Premier League contest. At Princes Park, two years earlier Ryan Hayes scored twice in a 4-2 victory over Whyteleafe. Ryan Briggs and Brendon Cass also netted in the Isthmian Division One South fixture. In 1989, Dartford also defeated Crawley Town 2-0 in the Southern Premier League at Watling Street. Another win to close 2023 will make it four in a row on this day.

Dartford’s last game on the road this year takes place on Boxing Day when they visit local rivals Welling United in the National South.

The Darts’ last Kent derby ended Alan Dowson’s near perfect league record against fellow county opponents. Prior defeat at Tonbridge Angels, the Wings were the only Kent side to have taken points from Dartford since Dowson’s appointment in a draw ten months ago.

In that game, Welling United had the better of the first half with former Dart, Ade Azeez hitting the post. Just before the break George Alexander, now at Dartford scored on his Wings debut. A better second half showing for the Darts saw Charlie Sheringham equalise against his former club. However, the hosts were back in front when Azeez smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar. The points were shared when substitute Malachai Napa made an impact by curling home the equaliser.

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Dartford were dominant in the reverse fixture last season. At Princes Park the Darts ran out 5-1 winners. Pierre Fonkeu and Davide Rodari scored to set up a fine performance for the hosts. Former Welling United defender added a third before half-time. Azeez may have pulled a goal back for the visitors, but Jack Smith and Luke Coulson wrapped up a resounding victory.

Boxing Day will be the second time Dowson’s side have faced Welling United this term. The pair were drawn out in the F.A Cup second qualifying round three months ago. The Wings progressed with a 3-2 win and their first triumph at Princes Park in almost ten years. Antony Papadopoulos grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick. Dartford took the lead twice through Lewis Manor though, but the Wings fought back before netting a winner fifteen minutes to go.

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In the last dozen visits to Park View Road, the Darts have lost just once in normal time. However, seven of those meetings have ended all square including the last two. Four of Dartford’s trips to DA16 have been on Boxing Day. The most memorable of those a last minute 3-2 victory in 2017 in which Alfie Pavey scored a stunner. Most recently, four years ago Dartford won 3-0 courtesy of Darren McQueen and Elliot Romain. The Wings won the 2018 fixture 2-0, whilst back in 2011 it finished 1-1.

Yet Dartford approach this Kent derby having lost their last two, conceding seven without reply. After the 4-0 loss at Tonbridge Angels, Dowson made two changes to the side that faced St Albans City at home. Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Luke Coulson were back in the starting eleven. Once again, the Saints were thankful for Shaun Jeffers scoring against the Darts. His strike with twenty minutes remaining opened up the hosts, the visitors went on to win 3-0.

Slipping to eighteenth in the division, Dartford are now six points off the playoffs and the relegation zone. Dowson will need to find a way to instill some confidence in his players over a crucial period for his side’s season.

There are now three Kent clubs in the bottom seven and Welling United are one of those. The Wings suffered a heavy loss at Bath City on the weekend to leave them third from bottom and five points from safety. Only Havant and Waterlooville have conceded more goals than Danny Bloor’s team this term, the Wings have let in two or more six of their last seven outings.

League Form

Dartford (WLWDLL)			Welling United (LWLDLL)
St Albans City	H	0-3	Bath City	A	0-4
Tonbridge Angels	A	0-4	Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2
Yeovil Town	H	2-2	Aveley	A	2-2
Torquay United	H	3-0	Weston-super-Mare	A	2-4
Braintree Town	H	0-2	Yeovil Town	H	4-1
Worthing	A	4-3	Braintree Town	A	1-4

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 25 / Welling United wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 3 Welling United (15/09/2023 – F.A Cup)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
* – Welling United won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

• Dartford are unbeaten in eight league games against Welling United (W6, D2)
• The Darts are unbeaten in their last three league games at Park View Road (W2, D1)
• Dartford have lost just once in their last nine league visits (W3, D5)

On This Day

Dartford have won five of their last six Boxing Day matches with only Welling United beating them in 2018. A year ago, the Darts went to Stonebridge Road and thrashed eventual champions Ebbsfleet United. It sealed a first North West Kent derby victory away at the Fleet since 1979. Luke Allen scored after 45 seconds to set the tone, Luke Coulson doubled the lead on five minutes and Maxwell Statham added a third with just eleven on the clock. Alex Wall netted just before the break and there was still time for Ebbsfleet United to get off the mark prior half-time.

The last home game on this day was also against Ebbsfleet United in 2016. Tom Bonner and Duane Ofori-Acheampong put the Darts in command. Craig Tanner halved the deficit for Fleet, but Dartford held out for a 2-1 triumph. The three fixtures between the two clashes with Ebbsfleet United were against Welling United.

This will be Dartford’s 79th Boxing Day game and their 51st at home. In total the Darts have won 30, drawn 21 and lost 25. Two fixtures have been abandoned on this day. The infamous 1959 clash with Gravesend and Northfleet and a 1985 National League match at Maidstone United.

Dartford can maintain a perfect Kent derby record if they get back to winning ways in the National South at Welling United this weekend.

The Darts have won all five county clashes in league competition this season, but approach Saturday’s trip to Park View Road on the back off two disappointing defeats in the division. The Wings will want to end a seven match winless league run against Dartford and put the heavy loss in November behind them.

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Three months ago, at Princes Park, Alan Dowson led his side to a resounding 5-1 win over Welling United. The Darts raced into a three goal half-time lead with Pierre Fonkeu, Davide Rodari and former Wing, Maxwell Statham putting the hosts in command. Rodari has since left Dartford for Worthing where he scored in his first match against his former club last weekend. Ade Azeez, who was donning the black and white shirt last season pulled a goal back for Welling United, but loanee Jack Smith and winger Luke Coulson wrapped up a fine display.

Dartford have won six of their last seven National South games against the Wings and racked up 15 goals in the last three meetings. The Darts visited Park View Road in September 2021 and won convincingly 6-0. Azeez played a part in Dartford’s victory scoring the second and last of the day after Noor Husin put the Darts a goal up. Danny Leonard stretched the lead before the interval, but the visitors didn’t stop there. Luke Allen netted a quickfire double and to round up the afternoon Azeez grabbed his second. The reverse fixture last term finished 4-2 to Dartford when Marcus Dinanga scored twice with Allen and Leonard finding the net against Welling United once more.

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Eleven changes were made to the starting lineup on Tuesday night as Dowson gave academy and squad players an opportunity in the London Senior Cup. The decision paid off with several players rested and the Darts progressing to the last eight, beating Metropolitan Police by two goals to nil. Academy players Jade Russell and Sam Archibald were handed debuts whilst Archie Panyi and Olly Box made their first ever appearances from off the substitute bench. Luke Allen returned from injury, Charlie Sheringham from illness, Jernade Meade made his first start since returning to the club and Jamar Loza was named in the starting eleven for the first time. Goals from Keiran Murtagh and an injury time second from Fonkeu sealed a 2-0 win and a passage to the quarter-final. Kristian Campbell and Alex Wall came on as substitutes, the only players involved in the 3-0 loss at Worthing last weekend. Sam Odaudu is still recovering from injury, whilst Tommy Block awaits his debut since joining from Hampton and Richmond Borough.

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Wall was red carded in that defeat down in Sussex and will begin a three match suspension putting him out of the Kent derby. However, the damage had already been done with Worthing scoring twice early on, an own goal from Statham was followed up by Ollie Pearce’s strike. Rodari made it 3-0 in the second-half prior to Wall’s dismissal. The loss at Worthing was the second time in a row Dartford conceded three, after a 3-1 defeat at home to Hemel Hempstead Town. Dowson and his side will be determined to end the two-game losing streak in the league, especially now the Darts are six points behind league leaders Ebbsfleet United and with Havant and Waterlooville close behind in third.

As many as six players could be facing their former club on the weekend. Dartford goalkeeper Dan Wilks, defenders Statham and Campbell and striker Sheringham all previously played for the Wings. In the other camp, Azeez scored 18 times for the Darts last season in 45 games before joining Welling United in the summer. Former loanee Rob Howard made seven appearances during the 2019/2020 campaign. Azeez has netted 13 times in all competitions this term at almost a goal every other game, whilst Howard has played ten games for the Wings starting in their last outing.

Manager, Warren Feeney made five changes last weekend for the 1-0 win at Chelmsford City, including handing Kyrell Lisbie and Kodi Lyons-Foster their debut. Stefan Payne returned from suspension and Howard was recalled to the lineup. A penalty scored by Taylor Maloney was the decisive moment as the Wings recorded three points for the first time since their festive double over Tonbridge Angels. Leading up to the excellent win at the Melbourne Stadium, Welling United lost 4-2 in their last home game against Dulwich Hamlet and 3-2 at Worthing. Feeney’s side are sitting in mid-table ten points adrift from the playoffs and eleven clear of the relegation zone.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 25 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 11

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWLL)			Welling United (LWWLLW)
Worthing	A	0-3	Chelmsford City	A	1-0
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-3	Dulwich Hamlet	H	2-4
Cheshunt	A	3-1	Worthing	A	2-3
Ebbsfleet United	H	4-0	Tonbridge Angels	H	2-1
Ebbsfleet United	A	4-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0
Havant & Waterlooville	A	3-1	Farnborough	H	1-2

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have won on their last two trips to Park View Road with an aggregate score of 9-0. The Darts had only scored 12 in their previous nine visits there.
• In all competitions Dartford have lost just once in the last 18 meetings with Welling United in normal time (W11, D6)
• In three of the last four seasons in which the two sides played twice in the league, Dartford have scored seven or more goals against Welling United

On This Day

First-half strikes from Ryan Hayes and Tom Murphy and Andy Pugh’s goal on the hour helped Dartford to a 3-1 home win against Whitehawk on this day. The Darts lost their last away game on 4 February in a Kent derby with Tonbridge Angels, the final score was 1-0 in the Southern League Division One East back in 2003. The last away day victory on this day was back in 1995 when Dartford beat Canterbury City 2-0 in the Kent League. The biggest win on 4 February came in a London Combination Second Division fixture in 1933 when the Darts beat Guildford City 7-1.

Dartford could move to the top of the table if they win their rescheduled Kent derby against Welling United on Tuesday night.

The Darts moved to within two points of league leaders and local rivals Ebbsfleet United on the weekend extending their unbeaten run in the National South to nine. Victory will guarantee top spot for at least 24 hours and the Darts will remain at the summit if Havant and Waterlooville inflict a first defeat of the season on Ebbsfleet United on Wednesday evening.

Dartford are seven without defeat against the Wings and eight unbeaten at Princes Park in all competitions. However, Welling United will desperately want to undo that record with a win, potentially moving back in to the playoff places.

Fortunes have changed for Alan Dowson’s side, when this fixture was scheduled originally the Darts had just lost a fourth league game in five. Whilst, Welling United were in sixth place having won four of their last five. The form table has turned for Dartford as they have not lost in the league since the defeat at Chippenham Town in early September. In the opposite dugout Welling United boss, Warren Feeney has seen just two victories since the 5-0 triumph versus Oxford City, beating Eastbourne Borough before going six without a win until the weekend when they beat Hungerford Town.

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Dowson made two changes to the side that beat Slough Town a week ago when they faced bottom side Weymouth on Saturday. Tom Bonner returned after be rested as a precaution, the captain took the place of Keiran Murtagh. Whilst the match winner in the 2-1 win over Slough Town, Pierre Fonkeu started ahead of Marvin Herschel. The Darts secured a ninth league win in eleven with a 3-0 victory over the Terras. Joshua Johnson scored from a delightful long range effort on his home debut and Alex Wall came off the bench to claim a brace and double his tally for the season in all competitions. The fourth consecutive league victory at home was also Dartford’s biggest score this term.

The Darts boss stated that the performance was “alright”, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “It was a good win with three goals, but I don’t think it was that margin to be honest”, he added: “We were probably losing them games earlier on the season, but it was just alright”. Looking ahead to the Tuesday evening derby, Dowson commented: “They have a decent team on paper, but we have as well so we look forward to the game. A local derby and it’s only round the corner, it’s what you’re here for really. That’s the games I like and I’m sure the players like it and we’re in a good position. We look forward to the game”.

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Dartford did the league double over the Wings last term and knocked them out of the Kent Senior Cup on penalties. At Princes Park, the Darts had to show their character to come from behind twice after Afolabi Akinyemi scored both of Welling United’s goals. Marcus Dinanga netted his first for the Darts to make it all square at 1-1 and Danny Leonard restored parity after Dartford fell behind again. Luke Allen enjoyed this fixture last season scoring the third at home, the midfielder also found the net at Park View Road. Dinanga went on to complete the 4-2 win with his second of the afternoon.

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It was much more convincing earlier in the season when Dartford recorded an impressive away victory. Azeez scored a brace against his future employers and Allen also scored twice. Noor Husin and Leonard were the other scorers that day in a resounding 6-0 win. Towards the end of the campaign the two sides were drawn against each other in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final. Again, Welling United led with both goals from Henry Burnett, but Jordan Greenidge and Jake Robinson last minute penalty forced spot kicks which the Darts won 5-3.

Several players are likely to face their old team in this local derby. Statham signed for the Darts this summer from Welling United, whilst Kristian Campbell moved from Park View Road to Princes Park during last season. Charlie Sheringham scored 19 in 39 games way back in 2008/2009 for Welling United before his first spell with Dartford in 2010/2011. Goalkeeper, Dan Wilks was also at Welling United previously, but an ankle injury means he has not played since late August.

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Meanwhile, Ade Azeez who scored 18 times for Dartford last season is now part of the Wings strike force and returns to Princes Park for the first time. The forward has scored seven league goals so far this campaign including a hat-trick against Oxford City. Rob Howard had a brief spell on loan in late 2019 making seven appearances, he could also face his former club.

The Wings have had a reliable start to their campaign, but have yet to taste victory against a side in the current top six. Welling United picked up one point in their opening two fixtures then went on a solid run of five wins in six outings. A number of draws, including stalemates in Kent derbies against Dover Athletic and Ebbsfleet United as well as at home to high fliers Havant and Waterlooville, and defeats against St Albans City and Braintree Town has seen the Wings drop out of the playoffs.

However, the Wings were back to winning ways on Saturday beating Hungerford Town 1-0 at Park View Road. Devonte Aransibia’s penalty was decisive and despite Amadou Kassarate’s late sending off Welling United held on. Despite what Feeney called a ‘flat’ first-half, the Wings dominated in the second forty five but only managed one goal. The Wings boss spoke to www.wellingunited.com post match ahead of their clash with the Darts and said: “We respect everyone we play, but for me it is just another game of football. It’s a local derby but we have got to make sure we take confidence from today (win against Hungerford Town) and give the fans something to cheer about”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 24 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 11

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWDWW)			Welling United (DDLDLW)
Weymouth	H	3-0	Hungerford Town	H	1-0
Slough Town	A	2-1	Braintree Town	A	1-4
St Albans City	A	1-1	Ebbsfleet United	A	1-1
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	St Albans City	H	0-2
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Hampton and Richmond	A	1-1
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Dover Athletic	H	1-1

Last Six Meetings

Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2019 – National South)
* Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

• Dartford have lost just one of their last 17 against Welling United in all competitions (W10, D6)
• The Darts are unbeaten in the last eight games at home against the Wings (W7, D1) in all competitions
• The Darts have won by an aggregate score of 10-2 against Welling United last season eclipsing the previous best of 7-0 in the 2019/2020 campaign
• Dartford have kept four clean sheets in the last six league fixtures against Welling United
• The Wings have only won three times in 21 attempts when visiting Dartford (D4, L14)

On This Day

Cody McDonald hit a Princes Park hat-trick in the F.A Trophy on this day in 2008. The striker still didn’t end up on the winning team though as the Darts drew 3-3 with Oxford City. Dartford have to go back to 1975 for their last victory on 1 November. Months after visiting Wembley in the F.A Trophy final they returned to the area to beat Wembley 1-0 in a F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie. Since then, the Darts have drawn three and lost two on this day. The last time Dartford played on 1 November was eight years ago when they fell to a 3-0 away defeat at Grimsby Town in the National League.

A third consecutive Kent derby for the Darts could see them complete a double over Welling United against a former player manager this weekend.

Over the last week Dartford have beaten Tonbridge Angels as well as local rivals Ebbsfleet United and now face Peter Taylor and his Welling United side. The current Wings boss wasn’t in charge when the Darts hammered the Wings on their own patch 6-0 back in September. To add extra spice in the dugout, Steve King will also face one of his former clubs, who he led to the playoff final in May 2019 before moving to Dartford five months later.

Dartford were fast out of the blocks in the reverse fixture at Park View Road, Noor Husin finishing a well worked move in the opening minutes of the game. Dan Roberts set up Ade Azeez midway through the first half and when Danny Leonard scored his first league goal for the club, the Darts were three up before half-time. Dartford’s excellent combination play continued and a two-minute brace from Luke Allen stretched the lead to five and there was still time for Azeez to grab his second in the rout.

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Allen was also on the scoresheet in the last meeting between the two sides at Princes Park. In Steve Lovells first game in charge at Welling United almost a year ago, the Wings went two up through former Dart, Lyle Della-Verde and a penalty converted by Anthony Cook. It took a spell of five second-half minutes for the Darts to level when Allen started the comeback and Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong completed it, denying the Wings their first win at Dartford since Boxing Day 2013. Lovell left the Wings five days before the 6-0 drubbing earlier this season. 

Much of King’s success at Welling United was built on excellent home form, something the Dartford boss is recreating this season. The Darts approached their rescheduled North Kent derby at home to Ebbsfleet United on the back of a 15 game unbeaten run at Princes Park in all competitions this term. Danny Leonard maintained his place in the side despite being taken off against Tonbridge Angels with a head injury, Ade Azeez was absent after he looked to have picked up an injury in the same game, Jernade Meade and Connor Essam are also nursing injuries. Jake Robinson and Luke Allen returned to the starting eleven and Marcus Dinanga made his Dartford debut. The 24-year-old has already played for Altrincham in the National North and has also had a loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers.

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Jake Robinson scored a first half winner by getting on the end of Kai Innocent’s cross to take him to nine league goals. The striker has now scored 11 in his last 13 appearances in all competitions, and could have added another with a glorious chance just before the half hour mark. Former Dart, Elliott Romain was replaced by Dominic Poleon at half-time, the striker should have scored early in the second half and came close again later on for the Fleet. The visitors piled on the pressure looking for the equaliser and after making all their substitutes Joe Martin went off injured leaving the Fleet down to ten men for the final 15 minutes. Dartford’s excellent performance was rewarded with a 1-0 win to extend the unbeaten home run to 16.

Former Welling United centre back, Josh Hill will not get to face his old side as he is out for the rest of the season. However, Dan Wilks and Jack Jebb are likely to feature, the pair were down at Park View Road during Steve King’s reign there. George Porter is another of the Darts to return to his former home. 

Welling United manager, Peter Taylor had one of the most successful spells in Dartford’s history between July 1986 and 1990. Whilst player manager he made 253 appearances and scored 94 goals. He led the Darts to two Southern League runner up finishes, two Southern League Cup titles and reached the F.A Trophy semi-finals twice. After managing the Darts, Taylor was one of the most successful England under 21 managers, famously took charge of the England senior team for a game giving David Beckham the captain’s armband and has gained vast amounts of experience with various Football League clubs.

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Open “Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United | DFCTV Highlights 06/02/21” directly

Since taking charge of Welling United, the Wings have recorded five league victories and three draws from 17 games. Five points clear of Braintree Town below them, Welling United have earned enough points to close the gap on teams above them, only goal difference separates them with Tonbridge Angels and Chelmsford City are only two points better off. Yet to beat a top five team this term, Taylor’s side have been picking up points against their direct competitors down at the bottom.

However, they did have a chance to put more distance between themselves and Braintree Town in their last outing over ten days ago, but the game finished 2-2. The Iron were even two up with the first goal coming fortuitously, Welling United goalkeeper Jack Sims punched the ball against Braintree Town’s Matt Johnson and into the net. Kyran Clements got on the end of a long throw to double the Iron’s lead, but the Wings fought back. Two headers one from Dipo Akinyemi and the other by Aaron Barnes made sure the points were shared. Welling United also had an opportunity to pass Chelmsford City in the National South standings three weeks ago, this time the game ended scoreless. 

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 23 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 10

Current League Form

Dartford (LDDDWW)			Welling United (LWLDLD)
Ebbsfleet United	H	1-0	Braintree Town	A	2-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	3-2	Oxford City	H	0-1
Concord Rangers	H	0-0	Chelmsford City	A	0-0
Hampton and Richmond	H	2-2	St Albans City	H	2-3
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-1	Dulwich Hamlet	A	1-0
Ebbsfleet United	A	0-1	Maidstone United	A	1-4

Previous Meetings (last six)

Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2019 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 0 Dartford (26/12/2018 – National South)

Stats

• Dartford have lost just once in their last 15 matches against Welling United, winning nine and drawing five
• The Darts are seven home games unbeaten versus the Wings winning six in a row before the draw in February last year
• Dartford have kept four clean sheets in the last five fixtures against Welling United
• The Wings have only won three times in 20 attempts when visiting Dartford

On This Day

Ronnie Vint’s 97th minute winner on a Tuesday night at the Kingfield sparked jubilant celebrations three years ago. The academy graduated who recently moved to Dulwich Hamlet headed the winner as the Darts recorded their first ever away win against Woking. Eleven years ago, Datford fans embarked on the long journey to the North East, but came home defeated as their side went out of the F.A Trophy losing to Gateshead 3-0 in the third round. Future Dartford legend, Lee Noble impressed Tony Burman in a 2-2 draw with Brentwood Town in 2008. The midfielder scored the equaliser against the Darts after Brendon Cass and John Guest had put Dartford 2-1 up. Since reforming, Dartford’s only two home matches on this day have resulted in comfortable victories. Tonbridge Angels were beaten 3-0 in the 1999/2000 Southern League South season and Crockenhill defeated 4-1 in the Kent League back in 1994.

Dartford approach their third Kent derby in a row this weekend aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the National South against local rivals Welling United.

Manager, Steve King returns to Park View Road for only the second time as Dartford manager and will be hoping to keep his side’s unbeaten start intact. The Darts have dropped just two points in their six league games and that was in their last National South outing against Tonbridge Angels. The 1-1 draw saw Dartford go behind for the first time this term when Tommy Wood headed the Angels in front, but former Welling United midfielder Jack Jebb equalised for the Darts.

Last weekend Ade Azeez claimed a F.A Cup hat-trick in the second qualifying round against Hythe Town. Azeez took home the match ball in a 5-1 victory which saw Danny Leonard score his first for the club and Michael Kedman play a part in the fourth goal on his debut. Kedman impressed as a triallist in friendlies and has joined the squad along with Deshane Dalling, meanwhile Bagasan Graham has left Princes Park after just one appearance. Tyrique Hyde has also gone out on loan at Hemel Hempstead Town. Azeez secured his hat-trick in the final minute, the 27-year-old has now scored seven goal as many games since arriving at Dartford in the summer and his boss feels there is more to come from the striker.

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Despite a near perfect start, King is still looking for perfection from everyone in the squad including in defence, he told Dartford FC TV after the F.A Cup triumph: “We’ve only had two clean sheets and that was a cornerstone to what we did previously. I know it sounds greedy, we’ve conceded the least in the division, but I know we’re better than what we’re showing in certain times and moments in games”.

King will have assessed the fitness of some of his players over the last week, Jernade Meade and George Porter both missed the Hythe Town fixture with injuries. Jake Robinson came off the bench after missing the Tonbridge Angels draw, whilst Jordan Wynter played in the F.A Cup tie despite carrying an injury. 

Last time King returned to Park View Road he guided the Darts to a 3-0 Boxing Day victory with goals from the front duo of Darren McQueen, who netted a brace and Elliott Romain. The return fixture at Princes Park on New Year’s Day in 2020 ended with Dartford completing a league double over the Wings. The Darts racked up another four goals to make it seven without reply in the 2019/2020 campaign, this time Romain scored the brace with McQueen finishing the goal rush, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong opened the scoring.

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Perhaps those score lines reflect the changes in fortunes between the two clubs with King being the catalyst. The Dartford boss left Welling United in the summer of 2019 after guiding the Wings to the National South playoff final. In the campaign that followed both sides were struggling at the wrong end of the table under new management. King moved to Princes Park in October, got the better of his former side and repeated the playoff near miss with Dartford. Over the last two years the Darts continue to challenge for the title, whilst Welling United have been unable to reach the same heights whilst King was in charge.

So much so that the Wings have just seen Steve Lovell resign as manager after a shock F.A Cup exit to Isthmian Premier League side Harrow Borough. Almost going full circle, Lovell’s first game as Welling United manager was against Dartford the last time the sides met. On that occasion the match ended all square at Princes Park despite the Wings starting the day bottom of the table. The Darts had to come from two down to rescue a point, Luke Allen and Berkeley-Agyepong cancelling out Lyle Della-Verde’s goal, a former Dart who left Welling United this season and Dipo Akinyemi’s strike. Lovell’s encouraging start continued until the season was curtailed.

However, this season began dreadfully with Welling United losing their opening three matches conceding twelve goals in the process. Lovell brought in new signings Pepe Dylan and Teddy Perkins to strengthen the defence and since then the Wings are unbeaten in their last two league games. A 2-1 victory at Concord Rangers was followed by a 2-2 draw with Slough Town and after five games played the Wings are third from bottom.

With no changes to the starting eleven in the last two league games it looked as though Lovell became settled with his best team. Yet he chose to rotate his line-up for the London Senior Cup penalty shoot-out success over Hanwell Town, then again in the F.A Cup. Being taken to penalties by an Isthmian South Central side then losing 2-0 to an Isthmian Premier League team sealed Lovell’s fate. His predecessor, Brad Quinton also lost his job following a shock F.A Cup exit last term when the Wings lost to a Danny Leonard inspired Sheppey United side, Daniel Wilks was Welling United’s goalkeeper. Wilks is not the only former Welling United in Dartford’s squad. Josh Hill, Jebb, Luke Wanadio and George Porter have all spent some time at Park View Road during their career.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 22 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 10

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWWWW)			Welling United (DWLLL)
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-1	Slough Town	H	2-2
Bath City	A	3-1	Concord Rangers	H	2-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	3-1	St Albans City	A	0-5
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-0	Hungerford Town	H	1-4
Slough Town	H	3-0	Havant & Waterlooville	A	0-3
St Albans City	A	3-1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2019 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 0 Dartford (26/12/2018 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Welling United (01/01/2018 – National South)

Stats

• A Dartford win will make it their best league start since the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier League title winning campaign. It will also be the first time since 2009 that the Darts have won their opening four away games in the league.
• The Darts have lost just once in their last fourteen matches against Welling United, winning eight and drawing five
• Dartford have kept three clean sheets in the last four fixtures against Welling United

On This Day

This week the Darts were drawn against rivals Maidstone United in the next round of the F.A Cup, fifteen years ago the two sides met on 25 September in the Isthmian Division One South. Richard Avery and Eddie McClements scored the goals to earn the Darts a 2-1 Kent derby victory. Two years prior the Darts started their four game winning streak on this day by beating Arlesey Town 3-2 in the Southern League Division One East. Fast forward to 2010 and Dartford edged past Lowestoft Town in the F.A Cup second qualifying round 2-1, Carl Rook and Danny Harris found the back of the net. The most recent game was in the National League when the Darts beat Braintree Town 2-0 in 2012, this time Tom Bonner and Jacob Erskine grabbed the goals.